inhibition
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inhibition
An inner psychological block, shyness, or insecurity that prevents a person from acting or speaking freely and naturally.
Er überwand seine Hemmungen und sprach die fremde Person an.
He overcame his inhibitions and spoke to the stranger.
inhibition
The slowing down, blocking, or suppression of a physical, chemical, or biological process.
Dieses Medikament führt zur Hemmung des Enzyms, das für die Entzündung verantwortlich ist.
This medication leads to the inhibition of the enzyme responsible for the inflammation.
The noun 'die Hemmung' (inhibition) is derived from the verb 'hemmen', which means 'to slow down', 'to block', or 'to hinder'. This connection helps you understand both meanings of the noun.
Ein neues Gesetz soll die übermäßige Bebauung der Küste hemmen.
A new law is intended to slow the excessive development of the coast.
In a psychological context, the plural 'Hemmungen' (inhibitions) is often used. Typical phrases are 'Hemmungen haben' (to have inhibitions), 'seine Hemmungen überwinden' (to overcome one's inhibitions), and 'Hemmungen abbauen' (to reduce inhibitions).
Viele Leute haben anfangs Hemmungen, in einer fremden Sprache zu sprechen.
Many people initially have inhibitions about speaking in a foreign language.
The psychological sense of 'Hemmung' (inhibition) is often expressed with an infinitive construction using 'zu'. The pattern is: 'Hemmungen haben, etwas zu tun' (to have inhibitions about doing something).
Er hatte große Hemmungen, vor vielen Menschen eine Rede zu halten.
He had strong inhibitions about giving a speech in front of many people.
You can recognize the technical or biological meaning from the context. It is used in scientific, medical, or technical texts, often together with words like 'Wachstum' (growth), 'Prozess' (process), or 'Enzym' (enzyme).
Die Forschung untersucht die Hemmung von Entzündungsprozessen im Körper.
The research investigates the inhibition of inflammatory processes in the body.
oppression / suppression
When referring to a physical or biological reaction, both words can describe slowing down a process. Hemmung emphasizes slowing or blocking, while Unterdrückung can also emphasize deliberately stopping something. Hemmung often fits a partial reduction, while Unterdrückung fits a strong, deliberate stoppage.
Das Medikament führt zu einer teilweisen Hemmung der Immunreaktion.
The medication causes partial inhibition of the immune response.
Das Medikament dient der gezielten Unterdrückung einer zu starken Immunreaktion.
The medication is used to deliberately suppress an excessive immune reaction.
